What can one say about this winter’s weather? Perhaps we, in most parts of the UK, have been lucky in terms of not having to contend with heavy snow and few heavy frosts to date?

This has though, brought about an early spring spurt of growth to our lawns and natural grass playing surfaces. I have already started a programme of mowing to tidy up a few bedraggled lawns. 

This early spring growth is purely down to the exceptionally warm temperatures we have been having, with February achieving the highest temperatures ever recorded for the month.

A bumpy cricket outfield 

I personally believe we may be between 2-3 weeks ahead. Many spring flowers and bulbs seem to have burst into colour earlier this year, and the grass has started growing. 

We have also experienced plenty of rain during this winter, with many lawns and sports fields becoming saturated and waterlogged. This spell of wet weather has also curtailed the start of essential pitch preparations for many cricket clubs.

It is now a case of being patient and waiting for the wet ground conditions to dry up. We usually do get some easterly drying winds in March, coupled with sunny spring days. 

The combination of the two will certainly help and enable turf professionals to get on with their spring renovations.   

The following activities are generally implemented during a spring renovation programme and are usually carried out in the following order:

1. Mowing the sward, preparing surfaces for renovation.
2. Weed & moss treatment
3. Scarification; removal of unwanted debris.
4. Aeration; decompaction of soil, improving air and gas exchange in soil.
5. Top dressing; restores levels and improves surface drainage.
6. Overseeding; restores grass populations.
7. Fertilising; provides nutrients for grass growth.
8. Brushing to incorporate dressings and to help the grass stand back up.
9. Watering / irrigation.
10. Weed control may be dealt with prior to the renovation. Any accumulated moss growth should be dealt with by applying an approved moss killing chemical, or lawn sand. Wait for it to die, then remove by scarification.

Mowing: The grass is usually mowed prior to starting any renovation works. The objective of mowing is to clean and prepare the grass surface.

Grass growth in spring can be uneven and varied. Mowing the grass to a uniform height will help prepare an even surface for scarification and topdressing operations.

Scarifying / Verticutting : During growth the grass plant produces a lot of dead material above and below ground level. Above ground (thatch layer): dead and decaying leaf and root material develops and accumulates to form a thatch layer of matted material. This layer of thatch can create a microclimate that is detrimental to turf, preventing water infiltration and providing ideal conditions for fungal and disease establishment.
Below ground (mat layer): root growth involves increased biomass of the root system and, like the grass shoots above the ground, some of this new matter dies back leaving a dead mass of root material which can often prevent and restrict new root growth and affect gaseous exchange in the soil. It is important to remove this debris.

Scarifying / verticutting is the term used to remove this unwanted vegetation. There are many ways and methods of scarifying lawns and turf surfaces. The process usually involves a raking / cutting action to clean out the thatch debris and can be done manually using spring tine rakes or mechanically using specially designed rotorakes, verticutters and knife action machines.

There are many different types of machines designed and available for scarifying turf, all offering different cutting depths, with different power and speed variations, with and without collection boxes. Machines can come in many shapes and sizes, some are pedestrian, some tractor/ prime mover mounted.
The depth of penetration for effective scarifying must be through the mat layer and into the soil. For an effective, vigorous scarifying, the blade should be at least 3 mm wide. Scarifying in two directions, at an angle of less than 90 degrees, gives the most vigorous working. Scarifying at right angles has the tendency to cause severe damage, with the small squares of turf being ripped from the surface. To restore the playing surface after vigorous scarifying will require an application of top dressing materials to restore levels and provide a seed bed for grass seed.

Aeration: Aeration is an important part of the renovation programme. Not only does aeration remedy any compaction problems by restoring and improving air movement in the soil profile, it also provides channels and openings for the top dressing materials to integrate, particularly if hollow coring or hollow tines have been used.

Depth of tines can vary between 100-200mm depending on the type of aerator being used.

Top Dressing:  The application of a good quality top dressing, in combination with a suitable aeration programmes, will go a long way to counter the ravages of wear /play.

Benefits of top dressing:

• Restores surface levels.
• Stimulates new root and shoot growth.
• To cover seed (soil seed contact to initiate germination).
• Increases water holding capacity of the soil.
• Improves soil structure.
• Increases nutrient retention.
• Improves surface drainage.

There is a wide range of materials available for top dressing, ranging from straight sands, loams and local soils materials. These mixes can be tailored to suit the customer’s needs, and can range from 80/20, 70/30 and 60/40 sand/soil percentage mixes.

The success of top dressing will also be influenced by the amount applied and how well it has been worked into the turf surface. Applying too much dressing will have a detrimental effect, smothering out the turf and increasing the likelihood of disease, slow grass growth and, in some cases, will kill the turf.

Overseeding: To re-establish grass cover, it is necessary to overseed the area with new grass seed. It is important to choose appropriate seed It is not cost effective to use cheap or old grass seed stock, as germination and establishment is likely to be poor. Buy your seed from a reputable company which specialises in developing and marketing quality grass seed mixtures. These seed varieties may be more expensive, but they do guarantee quality and performance.

Most seed suppliers will recommend sowing rates but, as a rule of thumb, it will generally be about 35grams of seed per sq/m. Temperatures above 12°C, a moist, well-aerated seedbed, close seed/soil contact are primary requirements for rapid grass seed development.

Fertilising: Prior to applying any fertilisers, it is essential to obtain the nutrient and pH status of the soil. This can be achieved by sending soil samples to a soil laboratory which will carry out a nutrient analysis of the sample. Once obtained you will be able to choose a product that offers you the correct N P K fertiliser ratio for your soil.

These fertilisers can be supplied in granular or liquid form. Granular products tend to be more widely used because they are easier to handle and distribute. Over dosing or applying granular fertilisers without enough soil moisture being present may result in the grass becoming scorched, resulting in scarring or death of the grass plant. Fertiliser application is only effective if you ensure uniform coverage. Granular fertilisers can be applied with either a drop (gravity) spreader or a rotary (centrifugal) spreader.

Brushing / dragmatting / luting: Once all top dressings, grass seed and fertiliser materials have been incorporated into/onto the surface, it is important to work the material into the profile by brushing, dragmatting or luting. These operations ensure the materials are worked in evenly and prevent any excess material remaining on the top. This operation is best done when the surface is dry, enabling the material to distribute itself easily.

Irrigation / watering: To renovate successfully, adequate water must be available from seeding through to completion of germination. Try not to allow newly overseeded areas to dry out once watering has commenced. Initially, maintain a constantly moist seedbed with frequent waterings of short duration. As newly germinated seedlings begin growth, decrease the frequency, and increase the duration of watering to encourage deeper rooting.

Conclusion: Lawn and sports turf renovations is often a time consuming and expensive exercise. Successful renovation requires detailed planning and programming, to ensure the right materials and equipment are available and working throughout the renovation process.

Yamaha Motor Europe (YME) and Leading Courses, Europe’s largest community platform for golf course tee times and golf course reviews, have announced a new partnership with the golf car manufacturer sponsoring the ‘Best Facilities’ category of Leading Courses’ Golfers’ Choice Rankings. 

The Golfers' Choice Rankings are an overview of the best golf courses in Europe and beyond. The rankings are decided by reviews given by the Leading Courses community. The Golfers' Choice Rankings not only include Golf Courses, but also rankings for the Best Golf Clubs Overall, Maintenance, Price and Quality, Hospitality and Facilities.

Central to the partnership is Yamaha’s exclusive sponsorship of the Best Facilities category in the Golfers’ Choice Rankings 2024. The facility which tops this category at the end of 2024 will be presented with a Drive² Lithium-Ion golf car fully equipped with the YamaTrack GPS software to use for one year. In pursuing this partnership, Yamaha say they seek to further align its brand and range of golf cars with the development of best-in-class golfing facilities across Europe.

Commenting on the new partnership Matt Taylerson, divisional manager, marketing, Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., Branch UK, said, “The partnership with Leading Courses allows us to align our premium products with Europe’s best golf courses as seen through the eyes of the golfers themselves. As a truly customer-centric brand, the fact that Leading Courses makes golfers the heart of its offering is very important to us. 

“At Yamaha we want to become even more widely recognised as the brand of choice for premium golf cars and to share our innovations more widely with both the golfing industry and the players themselves. The high quality of the Leading Courses platform and its role as the independent voice of real golfers aligns perfectly with Yamaha’s customer-centricity.”

Milwaukee Tool has announced its intention to increase its market share in the outdoor power equipment (OPE) sector in 2024, saying they will offer more battery-powered solutions for gardening, landscaping and horticulture professionals.

 
The company has said they are set to heighten their position in the market with both new and updated releases of its cordless products.
 
Rhys Adams, national sales manager OPE at Milwaukee Tool UK, said, “Our mission in 2024 is to ensure our expansive range for cordless equipment proves its value to professionals in the OPE sector by providing a one-stop-shop for the solutions they need.
 
“To help increase our share of the OPE market, we’re bringing a variety of new products, as well as enhancements to our existing product ranges, to help ensure users have the right solutions to complete the task at hand with ease and efficiency when compared to more traditional alternatives - something that has always been at the top of our agenda.”
 
Rhys continued, “Our battery platform has been tried and tested in some of the world’s harshest and most demanding environments to ensure that no matter how challenging the job might be, or how difficult the terrain, our solutions are up to the task. The same technology, battery platform and power is put into our OPE range to support more and more professionals in the sector, and we’re excited to be able to provide the industry with even more solutions which we’ll be announcing very soon and throughout the remainder of the year.”
 
The company say amongst the tools to be released this year are the 46cm steel deck, dual battery self-propelled lawnmower and their first dual batery backpack blower - both of which utilise the company's M18 Fuel battery technology.

GreenMech have announced the addition of PS Marsden (Lawnmower Services) Ltd to their nationwide dealer network - appointed as sales, service and support partners for the counties of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and the borders of East Staffordshire.  

Effective immediately, PS Marsden will be adding the manufacturer's range of towed, tracked and tractor-mounted woodchippers to their already extensive portfolio of groundcare and arboricultural machinery. An established dealer of over 45 years, their Nottingham depot is home to a number of well-respected and recognised franchises.

Commenting on their appointment, Iain Marsden, director of PS Marsden said, “PSM are excited to be working with the team at GreenMech. They have a proven product range and we look forward to delivering sales, service and spares to new and existing customers across our area.“

Martin Lucas, GreenMech sales director, said, “We are delighted be adding the knowledge and experience of the PS Marsden team to our network of nationwide experts. With a bustling arb offering already in their showroom we know that our chipper range, and customers, will both be in safe hands.”

The sales team at Toro U.K. Limited recently hosted Russells Groundcare Ltd at the Spellbrook, Hertfordshire head office.

 
The two-day sales and product training focused on predominantly the Landscape Contractor & Site Works portfolios. Despite the inclement weather conditions, the team managed to view a number of products.

Matthew Coleman, sales manager, Professional Landscape Contractor & Site Works Equipment - UK Direct Market, said “I am proud to be able to host this training for our long-established dealer, Russells Groundcare. The training made for a great opportunity to focus Russells’ pro sales team on the extensive Toro portfolio.

"The visit covered the benefits and features of Toro products for the commercial customer; a tour of our Spellbrook factory; an insight into future developments and the chance for Toro U.K and Russells to spend invaluable time together as a team."
 

As STIGA approaches its 90th anniversary, the manufacturer has announced the launch of a new campaign called 'We Care, That You Care'.

The company says its goal is to support 90 community garden groups throughout the UK, honouring each year of their 90th anniversary, by empowering others with their garden products.

In a statement the manufacturer said, "STIGA believes that everyone deserves the chance to cultivate beautiful spaces responsibly, and during 2024 the team are giving away their eco-friendly garden products to community garden groups, up and down the UK, for free!"

They say the campaign is aimed at a diverse array of community groups, from schools and hospital gardens to urban gardens, food bank gardens, community gardens and guerrilla gardeners. They believe each one of these groups represents a unique opportunity for them to engage, help and empower local communities.

Communities and individuals associated with the community group can contact STIGA through a dedicated web page, where information about their project will be collected and products selected that will benefit their project. This process, says the company, ensures every aspiring group has an equal opportunity to be chosen.

STIGA are now asking anyone responsible for any non-profit, community group or charity that looks after a green space and would like to receive products from their garden product range for free, to register on the wecare.stigauk.com website.  

The company's judging panel will assess applications and will notify successful parties, stating the free products that will be donated to their community group.

STIHL has introduced the KMA 120 R battery KombiEngine to its AP System, offering compatibility with all the main attachments ranging from blowers and hedge trimmers to pole pruners and sweepers. The KMA 120 R offers professional users’ exceptional versatility, ensuring a wide range of tasks can be completed quickly and efficiently.  

The lightweight and powerful KMA 120 R can be used with up to twelve different attachments and is designed with maximum comfort and working efficiency in mind. The machine comes with a tool-free adjustable loop handle for easy adjustment and features an ergonomic control, non-slip handle and easy-to-use lockout lever with a simple symmetrical design. 

Boasting two speed settings and a variable speed trigger, the KMA 120 R features an ECO mode that reduces the motor rpm, maximising working time; ideal for hedge trimming and lawn edging tasks.

In addition, the new model features an adjustable harness hook for optimum balance with no tools required, and has the option of a support foot accessory, providing extra reach and protection for the battery housing. 

For more information on the KMA 120 R and STIHL’s wide range of professional battery tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.  

FULLY LOADED ARMOURY

THE VALUE OF TREES

WE MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE

COUNCIL SERVICES IN DECLINE

INVESTING IN NATURAL GRASS PITCHES

WORRY OF WEATHER CLOSURES

BUSY & BUZZY BTME

A VERY PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS

COPING WITH CLIMATE CHANGES

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ON TEST
EGO LBP8000E backpack blower

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE LAWN CARE SECTOR
A key consideration

BEEKEEPING IN COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS
The current situation

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE IN THE AMENITY SUPPLY SECTOR
Optimising land use through integrated solutions

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GOLF SECTOR
Focus on BIGGA

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
Bringing together key points

DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR GOLF
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GETTING THE MOST OUT OF EVERY POUND OF BUDGET
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A NEWFOUND APPRECIATION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS
Who look after grassroots pitches

SUSTAINABILITY & THE UK ACTION PLAN
For weed, pest and disease management

CONCERN FOR PARKS FOLLOWING COUNCIL BANKRUPTCIES
What does the future hold?

TAKING A GLOBAL LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY
Is the rest of the world also driving towards sustainable practice?

RENOVATIONS, PLAY AND THANKS
On my mind this week

SUSTAINABILITY – IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING & EDUCATION
Set to play a crucial role going forward

TULIP TREE
Liriodendron tulipifera

LYDIA BROOM
Genista lydia

THE LAWN AND ITS VALUE
Changing attitudes

GIANT HOGWEED
Invasive and potentially harmful

LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS & SUSTAINABILITY
Considering every stage of the journey

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY
The most important nutrient

BERBERIS THUNBERGII
A shrub that has stood the test of time

ENSURING FUTURE PROSPERITY
Advice imparted at road shows

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
A key focus

PHOTINA RED ROBIN
A sensational flowering shrub

VALUING THE GRASSROOTS
We must not overlook those who maintain these grounds

MANAGING WEEDS SUSTAINABLY
In amenity spaces

DETECTING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
In turf plants

SPRING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
A crucial period

SUSTAINABILITY IN SUPPLY
A focus on those who supply essential inputs to our sector

CHANGING CLIMATE
Is a borehole the key for clubs?

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE SHARP END
How to put into practice when budgets are tight?

ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY
Clubs are struggling

SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
Seeking transparent and robust supply chains is essential

TIME FOR ACTION
To reverse recruitment crisis

CONTROLLING COSTS
Planning is crucial

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABILITY
What exactly does the term mean?

CARING FOR THE GRASSROOTS
From volunteers to contractors

DEFRA IS LETTING DOWN THE COUNTRY
Complete failure to address the plastic grass debate

WE CAN ALL DO MORE
To aid biodiversity

MY LIFE IN GREENKEEPING
With Bruce Cruickshank

LEVELLING UP, GETTING SMARTER & GETTING AHEAD
Parks require so much more funding

SWITCHED ON FOR HARD WORK
Putting trimmers through their paces

MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS
At this year's show

MY SALTEX
Daniel Lewis​, Manchester City Football Club

AWASH WITH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Two months till showtime

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Priorities for the amenity sector

THE DECLINE OF ‘PARKITECTURE’
A symptom of the state of parks in 2022

DEVELOPERS SHIRKING GREEN SPACE RESPONSIBILITIES
Lack of financial commitment

TIME TO COME TOGETHER
For the good of the industry

THE DEATH OF GRASS ROOTS CRICKET
Gathering apace?

ROUTES INTO THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ENSURED
Q&A with David Fisher, Lantra’s head of industry partnerships

STRONG VIEWS ON CRICKET PITCH PERFORMANCE MARKING
A bone of contention

A PREMIUM PRODUCT
Delivered at Naas Golf Club

THE GREEN REVOLUTION
And Esker Hills

MAKING A CHANGE
Laytown and Bettystown Golf Links

A DAY AT THE RACES
Naas Race Course

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE VOICE
How the industry needs to proceed

OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION
Wesley College

ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT
Dennis's Ian Howard talks electrification

THE HOME OF CORK GAA
Páirc Uí Chaoimh

LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED
STIHL HLA 66 and HLA 86

OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY
Johnstown Castle and Gardens

A CLUB GONE WILD
Kilkenny Golf Club

A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND
Woodenbridge GC

80 YEARS YOUNG
Charleville Golf Club

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
Albeit gradually . .

GO WEST
Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe

WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Nenagh Golf Club

ON A MISSION
Wrekin Golf Club aiming to enrich wildlife and fauna

WILD AND WONDERFUL
Design By Nature

LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE
Abbey Par 3

TACKLING OBESITY
Vital that schools can provide sport

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Vital for turf professionals

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
Tullamore Golf Club

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES
At Trinity College Dublin

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW
Bray Golf Club

A WELL POLISHED COURSE!
Ierne Social And Sports Club

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES
Of grounds maintenance

THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT
But it will survive

WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED
Renewed hope and optimism for the future

GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED
Parks invisible on national agenda

A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST
Wexford Golf Club

GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES!
Keith Kent says we must invest in people

WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY
Right time for all sides to come together

SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS
Good-quality soil can help save the planet

MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS
Encouraging the next generation

A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB
Wide experience of the turf grass industry

PAYING THEIR WAY
Low wages is the bane of the industry

AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL
Professor John Moverley

CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES
Mary Worrall

TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN
What causes you the most frustration in your role?

PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Vic Demain and Phil Sharples

BOWLS CLUBS IN PERIL
A sad decline

A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY
Loz looks back

SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER"
Commercial model capable of covering 50,000 m2 teased

HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT
Invest in mowers

COMPRESSED AERATION
The new way

PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
Recent sector developments

ON TEST
STIHL blowers

THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future

ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP
A split along racial lines

ON TEST
EGO STX3800 strimmer with RTX2300 Rotocut head

A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES
Review of the National Action Plan

PARKS MATTER
The role of public parks in the recovery: a discussion paper

A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE
Wormsley private estate

A BTME OUTDOORS?
A good bet for the industry

PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
Q&A with Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at Adur and Worthing Council

CRICKET LOAM
What does it mean?

A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL
Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager

ON TEST
STIHL battery products

TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants during biotic and abiotic stress in turfgrass plants

AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The coming months are going to prove very difficult

THE ABUSE OF PARKS . .
Is the abuse of society

WHY PARKS MATTER?
A statement from the Parks Management Forum to the Prime Minister

THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER
Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT!
Cricket under covid

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?
Debate brought back into focus

A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS
Running golf design projects from home

PRESSURE SITUATION
Cementing the reputation

A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF
10 years at the helm of Olton GC

GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE
The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth

THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL
Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS
2001

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS
Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself

RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME
. . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’

PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS
An urgent problem

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?